Chapter 5: The Son She Promised to Give Away

The next morning, Elkanah and his household rose early. They worshiped before the Lord one more time, and then they began the long journey back down to Ramah.

Once they were home, the Lord remembered her. In due time, she conceived and bore a son, and named him Samuel, which in Hebrew means "asked of God."

HANNAH“I have asked for him from the Lord.”— 1 Samuel 1:20

When the next pilgrimage to Shiloh came around, Elkanah prepared to go up with the household, taking with him the yearly sacrifice and the offering to pay his vow. Hannah did not go.

HANNAH“As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.”— 1 Samuel 1:22

In Israel, a mother nursed her child for years, often until the boy was two or three years old. Hannah would have only those years with him.

ELKANAH“Do what seems best to you. Wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish His word.”— 1 Samuel 1:23

He loved her. He honored a vow he had not made. And so Hannah stayed home with the boy and nursed him, and the years she had with him were already counted.